Tech System names May sole finalist for Angelo State presidency

The Texas Tech University System regents selected Brian May, Ph.D. as the sole finalist for the position of president at Angelo State University. The state-required 21 days must pass before the hire is final.

Below is a news release from the University System.

May currently is provost and vice president for academic affairs at Angelo State and has been with the university for nearly 20 years, beginning as a member of the agriculture faculty in 1994.

“I first came to Angelo State as a freshman in 1976, and I fell in love with this university,” May said. “My appreciation for Angelo State and its students, alumni, faculty and staff has grown even more since then. I cannot think of a better honor than to serve the institution that gave me the solid foundation for my career. Angelo State has a bright future, and I look forward to working with all who love ASU as we shape the future of this great university.”

Kent Hance, chancellor of the Texas Tech University System, chose May for the job from a group of candidates presented to him by the Angelo State University President Search Committee after a nationwide search.

“Dr. May is a proven leader with an impressive record of accomplishment,” Hance said. “As an alumnus and longtime faculty member, Dr. May has an unrivalled amount of university knowledge, and I believe he’s the right person to lead Angelo State University.”

May counts among his major accomplishments at Angelo State securing nearly $10 million in federal and state funds for some of the university’s top programs. In addition to personally obtaining more than $100,000 in research grants, May has obtained and awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships for students in the university’s Department of Agriculture.

He previously served as dean of the College of Graduate Studies at Angelo State from 2009 through 2011 before being named interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. Under his leadership, graduate enrollment increased from 528 students in the fall of 2009 to 880 students this fall, a 66 percent increase.

“Dr. May’s background and experience made him a clear standout among the more than 60 candidates,” said Mickey L. Long, chairman of the Angelo State University President Search Committee, vice chairman of the Board of Regents and chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Carr Scholarship Foundation. “This is a great appointment for the San Angelo and Angelo State community, and we congratulate Dr. May and his family.”

May holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal science from Angelo State University and a doctorate in ruminant nutrition from Texas A&M University. He has published approximately 40 refereed journal articles and abstracts. May succeeds Joseph C. Rallo, Ph.D., who was announced as vice chancellor of academic affairs at the Texas Tech University System in May 2012.